The persecution of Christians in Nigeria has recently taken a new form, after the Kwara state government required female students in all public schools to wear the hijab. Christian leaders have protested, but violence has broken out against Christian schools and churches, stemming from their refusal to comply. The Christians can expect no help from the government, since the impetus for this persecution comes from a government decree.
The Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, once again urgently implores the United Nations and the governments of all nations that are committed to human rights and religious freedom to make the plight of Nigeria’s Christians a top priority.
For previous coverage of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria from ChristianPersecution.com, see here.
“Hijab controversy: Again, violence breaks out at C&S College Ilorin,” by Abdulrazaq Adebayo, Daily Post, March 22, 2021:
Another violent clash broke out at C&S College Sabo Oke, in Ilorin, on Monday following attempts by some unidentified persons to forcefully open the gate of the school.
The students of the college were also chased away and sent back home.
DAILY POST reports that the state government on Friday ordered the ten mission schools shut down to resume classes to enable intending WASC students prepare for their examinations.
But the Christian community insisted that the use of hijab will not be allowed in their mission schools while also demanding the return of the schools to their original owners.
During a visit to the college at about 11.30am, DAILY POST found that the gate of the school was under lock and key, although teachers and staff reported for work.
The situation, however, turned chaotic and violent when unidentified persons attempted to forcefully open the gate of the school, in the presence of security operatives.
Appeal for calm by the Chairman, state Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, Malam Tauheed Bello, who addressed the angry crowd, fell on deaf ears.
Shortly after his address, another violent clash broke out following gunshots fired from inside Emmanuel Baptist church opposite C&S College Sabo Oke, at about 12.10pm, while the church was also pelted with stones and other objects.
The violence spread to St Barnabas LGEA primary school and some churches in the area as people armed with cutlasses and broken bottles went on a rampage.
The Christian community also mobilised its own forces to counter the attack in a bid to protect their people and property….
